FranchisingFranchising Internationally

By franchising your business internationally you can achieve a rate of expansion into new markets that is substantially faster and less capital intensive than a traditional corporate expansion. The growth of consumer-focused technology means that it is increasingly important to ensure a consistent multichannel experience across an international network, and franchisees, if managed appropriately, can help develop the brand in this regard. We offer a genuine global one stop shop of franchise specialists who can help you prepare for the internationalisation of your business and ensure that your deals are compliant with local customs and regulations.

Because of our team's breadth and depth of experience, we can help you to identify the key risks of expanding internationally and structure your business and legal contracts to reduce and manage those risks accordingly. We operate a global network of franchise specialists and are uniquely positioned to advise on best practice and the types of commercial and legal pitfalls to avoid and be aware of.

We have worked with a range of businesses across a variety of sectors on their international expansion, including Hamleys, the Arcadia Group brands, Ping Pong, Thomas Pink, Reiss, River Island, GBK, Marriot and Whittard of Chelsea.

In 2013, the independent legal directory Chambers Global ranked our team as one of only two firms in its top rank globally, and the only European firm to appear in the top four of its ranking bands.

Notable deals / highlights

Advised Ping Pong on the conversion of an existing joint venture arrangement into a franchise structure, to allow further expansion of the brand in the UAE.

Advised Hamleys on its market entry into India, the Middle East and the Far East and converted a corporate operation in Scandinavia into a regional franchise.

Advised the Arcadia Group on the international roll out of its Top Man, Top Shop, Miss Selfridge, Wallis, Dorothy Perkins and Burton brands in over 40 territories, including franchises, concessions and e-commerce.